Future Stars - Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva

This is a player that we have been hearing a lot about recently, with the youngster seemingly being linked to every club in Europe never mind just the Premier League.  Lucas, or Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva to give him his full name, is no doubt an incredibly talented footballer which is emphasised by the huge price that is on his head.

Lucas started his career at Brazlian giants Corinthians, only managing three years in their youth set up however before an early move of clubs ensued.  Sao Paulo signed up the enigmatic midfielder, and he has since gone from strength to strength.

He stepped up to the first team in 2010 and made his debut in September of the same year, under the name 'Marcelinho.'  This was due to the fact he attended Marcelinho Carioca's football school, but he quickly went back on this and informed of his intention to be called Lucas.

Lucas (right) with fellow starlet Neymar

From an early age it was clear he was something special, especially when his club captain Rogerio Ceni announced his importance to the club.  In addition to stating the future impact that Lucas could have, Ceni also announced Lucas could possess such talent that he could be the best since Kaka to come through the ranks at Sao Paulo.

Last year the international scene beckoned, where he has now hit double figures in appearances and could be crucial to any future success.

It is not known what the future holds for Lucas, with Brazilian football going through somewhat of a renaissance at the moment.  Past greats are returning and young stars seem to want to stay, but Europe will surely be on the agenda at some point.

His club side, it is said, have placed a £70m price on his head, a figure that could perhaps be deterring sides at the moment.  Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid have all been muted amongst others, and when the time does come he will surely move for big bucks but for a fee significantly less than that mentioned.

Lucas could become a crucial figure at any of the continents biggest clubs, whilst also being key to his nations World Cup hopes on home soil in 2014.

Javier Mascherano and the modern day footballing mercenary!

In the era of no loyalty within our elite level footballers, this attitude is summed up most by non other than Javier Mascherano.

While at Argentinian side River Plate and then Brazilians Corinthians, Mascherano built up quite a reputation not just in South America but around the world.

He was an exciting young talent who chased and hassled the ball carrier tremendously, he was tipped for Europe's best clubs in a matter of years.

However after a shock switch to West Ham United along with compatriot Carlos Tevez he quickly saw he first team opportunities cut short.

After just half a season though and five appearances, Rafael Benitez brought him to Anfield assured he could rebuild his career.

The fans instantly took to the gritty ball winner, and he became a favourite in the terraces.

Now nearing a century of appearances on Merseyside, it seems his time at Liverpool is numbered.

While he should be grateful to Benitez for the 'risk' he made in buying the Argentine, he should be appreciate the club and power brokers who also took the risk and the fans who have took him into their heart.

His refusal to play in the recent defeat to Manchester City is a ludicrous way to act towards the club and fans who are STILL paying his wages despite this refusal.

It is also worth pointing out that Liverpool have turned him into Captain of his country, a situation that seemed highly unlikely during the tumultuous time at West Ham.

Manager Roy Hodgson has stated if no bid matches the clubs valuation, then he could stay.

However the fluttering eye lashed at Barcelona which started last summer are still ongoing, and with Inter Milan now in the race if he does stay it could have a hugely detrimental effect on morale.

Their now seem to be a distinct lack, if any at all, of one club men.

A quick buck among players seems to be the priority and player 'rule' the trend at clubs.